Since 2013, Korean American Family Services (KFAM) has partnered with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) to provide culturally appropriate mental health services to uninsured and indigent Korean Americans in Los Angeles County. As a part of an Innovations program funded under the Mental Health Services Act, Koreans who have a mental health issue plus a co-occuring substance abuse and/or chronic physical illness can receive integrated services that address their multiple needs.
The ISM program was designed by the LACDMH to incorporate a holistic approach in treating mental health for severely undeserved ethnic populations like Koreans. Individuals with mental health issues have a 20 year shorter life expectancy than others. KISM recognizes the connection between the mind, body, and spirit for overall wellness. In addition to these services, KISM also uses “non-traditional” services to engage thecommunity and promote wellness, including acupuncture, yoga classes, spas (jimjilbang), writing classes, jewelry making classes, and kimchi making classes.
By providing these services alongside with the formal treatment methods, it encourages an individual to tap into resources in his or her community and to rebuild one’s social support. With integrated care becoming an important component under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), there has been a growth in services that address not only one area of treatment, but treating an individual holistically to cover their multiple needs.
KISM is open to Korean American residents of LA County who are uninsured or on Medi-Cal with a mental health condition plus a co-occuring chronic illness and/or substance abuse issue. For more information about the ISM program and other counseling services, please contact Jonathan Kang, PhD, PsyD, clinical counseling director at JKang@kfamla.org.
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